All Cord vehicles are special in some way, but our Pick of the Day, a 1937 Cord 812 Supercharged Sportsman convertible, has a few characteristics that make it even more of a standout. It is posted on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Pennsylvania,
The first is the model year. The 1937 812 (known as the 810 in 1936) debuted in what turned out to be the final year of Cord automobiles as a whole. The second is the car itself. Cord only produced 1,066 vehicles in 1937, according to the third edition of the “Standard Catalog of American Cars, 1805-1942.” When this 812 Sportsman (aka Sportsman’s Convertible Coupe) was auctioned off by RM Sotheby’s in 2020, it was listed as “One of only 64 examples built; approximately only 30 extant.”
Do you see the pipes coming out of the sides of the “coffin nose”? Those mean that this 812’s Lycoming 289ci V8 is supercharged to produce 170 horsepower, which is processed by a four-speed pre-selector transmission.
Then there are the things that are less obvious about this car, but no less significant. The story goes that in 1969, an Arizona man named Lee Richardson purchased it and kept it for the next 37 years. In addition to great taste, he also had a technical background because he was one of Disney’s early “imagineers.” The selling dealer states, “Richardson focused on resolving several of the Cord’s notorious quirks, notably developing the acclaimed ‘Richardson joint’ conversion to address the unreliable front-wheel CV joints. During his tenure with the cabriolet, he implemented advantageous modifications, including his distinctive front axle joints, a modern 12-volt electrical system, discreetly integrated electric fuel pump and cutoff switch, and an electric radiator fan. Adding a playful touch, he even installed power operation for the headlights.” As part of his overhaul, Richardson also replaced the original supercharged engine with another one, number FC 3232.
After being sold to an Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club member in 1997, this distinctive drop-top was refinished in its factory color of Rich Maroon, which looks great with the tan leather interior. Not shown in the pictures is the tan soft top stored under the tonneau cover.
If you want this attractive and special piece of automotive history, it can be yours for $299,000.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com